Diverse Connections: Bringing vendors & buyers together

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Oakland County is committed to supporting the communities in which it serves. This includes an ongoing effort to enhance local and regional business climates through various initiatives, such as a Supplier Diversity Equity and Inclusion Outreach Program.

According to the Oakland County strategic framework, the County will continuously take actions to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all county operations as well as creating measurements to identify progress and establishing areas of opportunity.

The Purchasing Division is committed to developing successful relationships with local and national self-certified disabled, minority, small, service-disabled veteran, women and veteran-owned businesses and to apply diversity, equity, and inclusion in how we procure goods and services and manage the suppliers we partner with.

Diverse Connections Networking Event: November 6, 2025

Join us for breakfast and an opportunity to connect and network with buyers for government agencies, schools, universities and local businesses.

Agenda

8-9 a.m. - Continental breakfast
9-9:30 a.m. - Welcoming remarks from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Chief DEI Officer Harry Weaver III, and Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson
9:30-10 a.m. - Becoming a Dynamic Supplier" from Tony Cook, Interim COO of Oakland Thrive
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Networking
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Oakland County Buyers and the Purchasing Management team. In addition to networking, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., participants will be able to engage with Oakland County buyers and practice delivering their business pitch in a real-world setting. This is an excellent opportunity to refine your presentation skills, build relationships and position your business for future opportunities.
NEW for 2025: Breakout session!
Todd Terry from Allstate will present “The What IFs” of having insurance. This presentation will be offered twice: from 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m. Space is limited, register for either session at the registration table on the morning of the event.